The weekly messenger. [volume] (St. Martinsville [i.e. St. Martinville] La.) 1886-1948, 1887-06-11

u.
but the Iockct proved too expensive l"l
Fontainc's patrons. Twenty-Five hundred
dollars was the sum he stood accountap'e
for to the French manufacturer III pay
mont for this locket should he make
sale. and although in confidential mo-
mcnte he offered it to epecial customers
AT twenty seven hundred. no one profited
by this liberal discount from the set
price. Every night the locket was care
fully put away in the burglar-proof COM
part,nent of his huge steel vault, ana every
morning its plush box was restored to the
show shelf. but the jewel seemed likeiyto
remain AS an advertisement until the
travelling salcman reappeared to claim II:
One day gentleman came IN ana iel'
his gold watch for repairs. This was
tall. majestic person, whom Fontane had
often seen of late upon the streets, wear
ing heavy scalskin cap and melton
ulster. with collar and cuffs and pocket
laps of seal fur, and clad throughout IN
costly Difference to fashion. His watch
| was heavily chased, and very valuable.
| He was particular TO take 4 receipt IN the
name Of F. F. Barton. and departed
abruptly. without so much as recognizing
| in Reginald Fontaine the proprietor OF
the premises.
At the appointed time Mr.. Barton re-
turned for his watch Fontaine in person
waited on him. and noticed the massive
signet ring worn by his customer. the
ONYX monogram of which seemed cracked.
Mr.. Barton threw down fifty dollar bill
with an indifferent air, and gathered up
the change without appearing to take
count of it. He hooked the golden loop
of his heavy chain into its buttonhole, re-
stored the watch to his pocket with an
air of satisfaction, and turned away.
IL see that your signet is broken, SAID
Reginald Fontaine, respectfully.
"A little" replied Mr.. Barton, draw
ing on his heece-lined glove.
II am now taking orders for signets
Should you wish to have the stone re
placed at any time, | can have it du
plicated with precision at reasonable
cost"
The visitor bowed as he pulled on hi
| other glove. and replied:
, 1T is an heirloom in my family and va
) cracked a century ago Nothing coulc
; replace it.
{ I'm that case, of course not, reJolnet
I Fontainc He drew from drawer
4 ring tray. IF you are interested in rings
| examine these. have some odd form
, here. don't expect you to buy, sir; bil
! | am an enthusiast in my trade, and !
any one likes to look. | like to show III
+ goods.
: And, in fact, it was Il feature of Fon
2 taine's sagacious policy that he tried t
| have every customer see a many Of IN
y wares as possible.
). Mr.. Barton glanced incuriously over tn
1 tray.
n i've seen acres of rings, he replied
:. with Il curling lip. And he continued
4 button his gloves.
+. rs there anything can show you thu
o YOU are interested inE' continued For
Il tame, politely, replacing the ira!
Family plate. tableware. children's
: ladies ornamcntS-
IS Mr.. Barton had faced towards the doc
l. He turned about with feeble curiosity I
|, ask:
Il What have you in the way of ladic
a ornaments"
.. Fontaine led his customer TO shoy
|. case glittering with bracelets, comb
H. pins, and other bijOutry.
The variety has been little BROKE
=" by our Christmas sa!cs-" he began.
lc NO matter. need not trouble YOU
r. interrupted Mr. Barton. There is not
nj ing here that wish.
1T is the best assortment in town. I
ty torted Reginald Fontaine.
Il Very likely. But came from Pa
of onlv six month, since, and shall return
the spring. think can afford to W;
lie until iiat time before buy"
al With some warmth F0ntainc flew